The ultimate “color box”.
In addition to the 100% analog tape emulation circuitry – great for bringing out 3rd-order harmonics – the 542 incorporates a soft-clip circuit that tames the harshest sources and enhances 2nd-order harmonics, variable Silk Red & Blue for an infinite variety of transformer tones, and a blend control to dial in in the perfect amount of saturation.
 
SPECIFICATIONS
 
LINE AMP NOISE
Measurements with tape circuit disengaged. Measured at Main Output, un-weighted, 20 Hz - 22 kHz, Input Terminated 40 Ohm.
Unity Gain: Better than -100 dBV
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
Measured at +10 dBu, trim at unity.
Main Output: +/- 0.25 dB from 5 Hz to 60 kHz, -2 dB @ 120 kHz
MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL
23.25 dBu
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION AND NOISE
@ 1 kHz, +20 dBu output level: Better than 0.002%
@ 20 Hz, +20 dBu output level: 0.07% Typical (2nd and 3rd harmonic)
TAPE FX SPECIFICATIONS
NOISE
Measured at Main Output, un-weighted, 20 Hz - 22 kHz, Input Terminated 40 Ohm.
Saturation @ minimum: Better than -100 dBu
Saturation @ maximum: Better than -100 dBu
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
15 IPS, Input @ -0 dBu: -3 dBu @ 28 kHz
Saturation @ minimum: 0 dBu @ 10 Hz
+5 dBu Peak @ 60 Hz Saturation @ maximum: -3 dBu @ 20 kHz
-3 dBu @ 12.5 Hz
+2.4 dBu Peak @ 60 Hz
30 IPS, Input @ -0 dBu: -3 dBu @ 120 kHz
Saturation @ minimum: -3 dBu @ 10 Hz, +3.15 dBu Peak @ 125 Hz
Saturation @ maximum: -3 dBu @ 100 kHz
-3 dBu @ 12.5 Hz
+1.3 dBu Peak @ 110 Hz
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION AND NOISE 
15 IPS
Input @ -0 dBu: 0.4% @ 3 kHz to 1% @ 175 Hz typical Saturation @ minimum: Greater than 1% below 175 Hz typical
Saturation @ maximum: 1% at 6 kHz typical, 0.3% @ 1 kHz to 3% @ 50 Hz typical
30 IPS
Input @ -0 dBu: 1% at 1 kHz typical
Saturation @ minimum: 0.6% @ 400 Hz to 5% @ 20 Hz typical
Saturation @ maximum: 1.5% @ 20 kHz to 0.4% @ 1 kHz typical, 0.4% @ 1 kHz to 2% @ 50 Hz typical
POWER REQUIREMENTS
Supplied by 500 series rack with 110-125 mA @ +/- 16V DC